We haven't seen Kaiju Korner's coverage yet but man judging the instagram posts this was a supremely shitty Super Festival. Of course there were the always solid offerings from Cometdebris, M1Go, Shirahama, and Grody but it seems like they were dwarfed by over-priced, high gloss painted, super detailed hunks of cheap plastic..
Would have to agree with you from what I've seen...everyone you listed above brought the heat as per usual, as did Astro Zombies and Co. with the latest Skullwing. The Hedorah DX from M1 must have been one of the big highlights. Although it was just the blank flesh proto released in small numbers. Going to wait for that magic M1 paint (and a low stress preorder, hopefully).
I don’t know guys, if I was a local I feel like the marbled Sensor Bats would be worth the trip alone! I also dig those Kiuchi Dental Clinic minis. They are super fun little mascots!
Magic 8-Ball says 'Outlook Looks Good' for more killer Cometdebris and Skullwings in 2018! I snagged this guy as a random buy . . . I love it, but happily not feeling the need to catch 'em all!
I missed seeing those, gonna check them out. The Sensor Bats are crazy good. I just can't afford to jump down another maker's rabbit hole. Edit: found em. Damn, you're right Patrick. View this post on Instagram Also love this Shirahama/Chanomaganu Ohkami Kun gussied up very nicely by Lenny Cervello: View this post on Instagram
I like the new JISONSON. View this post on Instagram On the painted versions, I wish the black paint around the eye expanded more out like the concept art. View this post on Instagram a little more like this View this post on Instagram
Both are pretty cool, but I agree that the circles should be thicker. As it is, it looks a little like a South Park character. Even still, it’s awesome and I’d love to own one down the line.
I thought those were sample paints? Anyway, agreed on the eyes. If you look at the sticker in the background. The bigger black circle indeed looks better.
I didn't attend and don't plan to cover the show in the future. Attended and covered every one for 7 years straight. I think that's about enough for now. There's something like 10,000-20,000 photos on the blog - maybe more. Hopefully someone else can do the work and post on their Instasites or wherever the kool kids are hanging out these days.
Damn.You don't owe anyone an explanation of course, but if you don't mind my asking, did something change? Scene just not moving to good places?
It was a pretty huge time commitment covering 130+ shows and dozens of shops over the last 10 years. The magazine articles I used to do (also for free) totaled hundreds more hours of work. Lot of things adding up over time, really. These days most people seem more interested in IG anyway.
Your coverage was always my go to source to see what was going on in the vinyl world. Knowing you won't be doing it anymore is honestly pretty crushing but I understand totally how the time and work and commitment involved can be too much. I hope it isn't because you feel unappreciated though. I only have a few friends who really care about the vinyl thing but every last one of them loved your site. Closest thing to being there most of us will ever experience. Instagram is fine for random bits of coverage but none of it comes close to what you did with actual useful info and toy maker credit. You will be missed!
@andy - I always looked forward to your reports on stores and events, especially on Super Fest. Thank you for all of the coverage you did during those years. It's greatly appreciated.
@andy I agree with every sentiment so far. Your site is an awesome resource of not just toy show pics, but of Japanese (toy) culture. The couple of features on 7-11 and other convenience stores are fun to read. Plus it was great meeting you that time at Hyperstoic 2014 in NYC and hanging out on line.
Just realised I'd been following your site for months. I wish we had more full-on, substantial coverage like that. Whenever I look at IG coverage of an event it's like trying to piece together the space from a hundred tiny fragments.
@andy thanks for all your incredible contributions to the hobby. I still use your site on a weekly basis for info on past releases.
Adding to the pile of thanks to @andy for his excellent coverage and photos. Kaiju Korner has been one of the best references for me for many of the events, limited releases, and even many of the toy shops in Japan (especially U.S. Toys!). Also, [oldmanrant] I prefer solid journalism and blogging over throwaway comments on social media photos. All those apps feel like disposable information, and good luck trying to search those hashtags. Support your local bloggers and web forum admins. [/oldmanrant]
what they said^ I have had your blog bookmarked for ages and I have learned a lot from it.I will never be able to go to Japan; so thanks for being a great pair of eyes and ears on the ground; offering an excellently curated insight into the culture. Cheers
It's a real shame that you're retiring @andy , but I really loved and enjoyed your photo coverage, and appreciated all the hard work you put into it. These Instaspammers don't label any of their photos, and they never take photos of everything, so it will be difficult to get anywhere near the same coverage in the future... but I guess this is the new era of just snapping photos and posting heart-eye emojis in the comment section.
Because most are fuckin' clueless as to what they are looking at and just chasing 'Likes' for some kinda validation. Blech!
